Once upon a time, a romance author living in a town of 5,600 with one husband, two Maine Coons, and a chocolate Lab was nominated for a prestigious award in the professional organization she belongs to. The award ceremony is being held in a city she’s never been to, and had little chance of seeing. After all, New York City isn’t cheap. She despaired the effect on her family’s finances. It’s not like running across town, either: She still struggles with her fear of flying.
She resolved to stay home. After all, if she won, someone else could pick up the award and make the speech on July 1st. She even went so far as to enlist someone for this little job – the lovely and talented Susan Mallery. She took a deep breath, and told herself it was best.
It seems there was more than one person in her life who thought this was ridiculous. As a result, our heroine will be on a jet to New York City on June 28th.
There are so many people to thank for this event that it’s hard to know where to start. Most want to remain anonymous, and I will respect that request. At the same time, it is hard to imagine how I could ever have adequate words to thank the people who are making this happen for me. I’ll get myself and my suitcase onto that plane, and eight hours later, I’ll be in the city I’ve heard about all my life.
This, of course, reminds me of some of the things I’ve heard over the years. Yes, I’m packing a lot of black. I’m staking out the area around the hotel for food options. I hope to not appear in an upcoming issue of Glamour as a “fashion don’t,” but this may be inevitable. I can’t wait for that first glimpse from the airplane window.
Most of all, I’m reminded of the song lyric I’ve heard a thousand times before: If I can make it there, I’ll make it anywhere.
See you soon, New York.
-S
Have a great time in my home town. If I knew where you were staying I’d give you some recommendations – even if I haven’t lived there in a bit – I was just there a few weeks ago, and it was beautiful and I even missed it. If you have time for museums, the National Design Museum on 5th & 90th is really cool (and a little different than the usual suspects). Have a great time, and hope you win. Good luck!!!!!!!!!
Comment by Evil Parallel Universe — June 4, 2011 @ 7:01 pm
BTW – Puck Fair, on Lafayette just below Houston is a really cool Irish Pub with refrigerated tap lines!!! – even has snugs for extra authenticity. It’s a little hipper than most pubs in the City (you can wear black and fit in well), and the food is good and not expensive (for NYC).
Comment by Evil Parallel Universe — June 4, 2011 @ 7:10 pm
Last one, promise – use the subway, it is fast and cheap. And take buses before using taxis.
Comment by Evil Parallel Universe — June 4, 2011 @ 7:13 pm
EPU, our conference is at the Marriott Marquis. I’m not sure I’m even going to be able to get out of the hotel, but I’ll do my best.
Are there food options in Times Square that are not chains?
One thing’s for sure: I will be visiting Junior’s Cheesecake, even if I have to crawl on my hands and knees.
I’ll tell NYC you said “hi”.
-S
Comment by strategerie — June 6, 2011 @ 1:36 am
Yes. I never lived around Time Square, but there are plenty of good restaurants in the Theater district and a little north in Hell’s Kitchen/Clinton. I would definitely trust in Zagats or pick up a TimeOut NY (assuming it still exists). Nearly all decent Irish pubs in NYC have great food at cheap for NYC prices.
Don’t go to any form of a Ray’s for pizza – IMO they all suck.
Comment by Evil Parallel Universe — June 6, 2011 @ 11:02 am